A New Jersey cop was charged with assault for slapping a prankster clad in a bunny costume who refused to stop blowing an air horn inside a police station.

Hopatcong police Officer Nicholas Maresca Jr. was charged Friday with one count of simple assault for slapping Kevin Hemmerich, who was turning himself in on an outstanding warrant, on Nov. 17.

A video of the incident shows Hemmerich wearing a grey bunny suit as he repeatedly blows the air horn, ignoring officers’ requests for him to stop. At one point, Maresca can be seen angrily approaching him.

The man’s brother, Jason Hemmerich, claims two cops cursed at them, then Maresca smacked Kevin in the face. He told NJ Advance Media they were playing a prank on the cops.

Maresca’s lawyer Anthony Iacullo said his client did nothing wrong.

“Officer Maresca acted appropriately and in accordance with his training and experience as a police officer on that evening in Hopatcong,” Iacullo said. “We are confident that when this matter proceeds to trial Officer Maresca will be vindicated of the one charge against him.”

Maresca has been placed on administrative duty, according to prosecutors.
With Post Wires